Poker

I picked up the cards

From the table

When I sat down.

I had an ace,

And a ten,

Both spades,

Ante's out.

He picked up his cards,

Leaned back,

Looked around.

I smiled,

And he frowned.

My spirts up,

And his, down.

I straightened my elbows,

Bit my lip,

Shared my space.

He held close

To the chest,

Looked at no

Other face.

I bet after he passed,

Then he bet

Before too late.

Was it boredom?

Or a play? Only he

Could ever say.

But he wouldn't.

Three cards on the table:

An ace of clubs,

A jack of spades,

A king of spades.

My smile grew,

His frown stayed,

And we played.

He bet, and I raised it.

He met it, but

His face did

This thing where I

Could tell

He wasn't feeling

What I felt.

 A 10 of hearts was laid.

I sighed, but it's okay.

I have two aces.

I could make it.

He looked happy,

But he faked it.

I knew it once the final

Card was laid.

A queen of spades.

Too soon? Or fate?

Was it more than

He could take?

But he looked away.

I tried to signal.

I tried to scream.

It was okay,

'Cause we were a team,

If I go all in,

I win. And if I win,

He wins.

But we just played.

He held his hand closer, now,

And he bet

Once more.

He didn't even look to see

As I turned toward

The door.

You could call it a bluff,

But I could feel

His hand

Was cold.

It’s sad, but

In this game, two

Can’t hold the

Cards I hold,

So, I fold.